What To Know
- Morning glories are a better source of iron than sweet potatoes, with 100 grams providing approximately 8% of the daily intake, compared to 2% in sweet potatoes.
- Sweet potatoes are renowned for their high levels of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in the body.
- Both sweet potatoes and morning glories are low in calories and can support weight loss when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
In the realm of nutritious and versatile vegetables, sweet potatoes and morning glories stand out as two popular choices. Both offer an array of health benefits, but understanding their unique nutritional profiles can help you make informed dietary decisions. This comprehensive guide delves into the nutritional differences between sweet potatoes and morning glories, empowering you to choose the best option for your individual needs.
Nutritional Composition: Calories and Macronutrients
Sweet potatoes are slightly higher in calories than morning glories, with 100 grams providing approximately 86 calories, compared to 29 calories in morning glories. The macronutrient composition also differs, with sweet potatoes containing more carbohydrates (20.1 grams) and fiber (3.8 grams) than morning glories (6.5 grams and 1.5 grams, respectively).
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamin A: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, providing over 100% of the recommended daily intake in a single serving. Morning glories, on the other hand, contain negligible amounts of vitamin A.
Vitamin C: Morning glories are a good source of vitamin C, providing approximately 18% of the daily intake. Sweet potatoes contain a smaller amount of vitamin C, with 100 grams providing around 10% of the daily requirement.
Potassium: Both sweet potatoes and morning glories are rich in potassium, an essential mineral for electrolyte balance and nerve function. Sweet potatoes contain slightly more potassium (337 mg) than morning glories (256 mg).
Iron: Morning glories are a better source of iron than sweet potatoes, with 100 grams providing approximately 8% of the daily intake, compared to 2% in sweet potatoes.
Antioxidants
Beta-Carotene: Sweet potatoes are renowned for their high levels of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in the body. Morning glories do not contain significant amounts of beta-carotene.
Anthocyanins: Morning glories are rich in anthocyanins, a group of antioxidants responsible for their vibrant colors. Sweet potatoes contain smaller amounts of anthocyanins.
Health Benefits
Sweet Potatoes:
- Supports eye health due to its high vitamin A content.
- Promotes digestive health with its abundant fiber.
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels due to its complex carbohydrates.
- May reduce inflammation with its beta-carotene and anthocyanins.
Morning Glories:
- Boosts immunity with its vitamin C content.
- Supports heart health with its potassium and antioxidants.
- Improves cognitive function with its iron content.
- May have anti-inflammatory properties due to its anthocyanins.
Culinary Applications
Sweet potatoes are versatile and can be roasted, baked, fried, or mashed. They are often used in soups, stews, and casseroles. Morning glories are typically consumed as leafy greens, sautéed, or added to salads. Their flowers are also edible and used as a garnish or in salads.
Which is Better: Sweet Potato or Morning Glory?
The choice between sweet potato and morning glory depends on your individual nutritional needs and preferences. If you are looking for a vegetable rich in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, sweet potatoes are an excellent option. However, if you are seeking a vegetable with high levels of vitamin C, iron, and anthocyanins, morning glories are a better choice.
The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Vegetable for Your Needs
Sweet potatoes and morning glories offer distinct nutritional profiles, each with unique health benefits and culinary applications. By understanding their differences, you can make informed decisions about which vegetable to incorporate into your diet to meet your specific nutritional needs and culinary preferences.
Common Questions and Answers
1. Are sweet potatoes and morning glories related?
No, sweet potatoes and morning glories are not related. Sweet potatoes belong to the Convolvulaceae family, while morning glories belong to the Apocynaceae family.
2. Can I eat morning glory flowers?
Yes, morning glory flowers are edible and can be added to salads or used as a garnish. However, it is important to note that some species of morning glories are toxic, so only consume flowers from reputable sources.
3. Which vegetable is better for weight loss, sweet potato or morning glory?
Both sweet potatoes and morning glories are low in calories and can support weight loss when consumed as part of a balanced diet. However, morning glories may be a slightly better choice due to their lower calorie content.
4. Can I grow sweet potatoes and morning glories in the same garden?
Yes, sweet potatoes and morning glories can be grown in the same garden as long as they have adequate space and sunlight. However, it is important to note that morning glories can be aggressive growers, so it is best to plant them in a separate area or use trellises to control their growth.
5. Are sweet potatoes a good source of protein?
No, sweet potatoes are not a good source of protein. They contain only a small amount of protein, approximately 2 grams per 100 grams.
